Are you ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious sweet sourdough recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From classic treats like cinnamon swirl bread and blueberry muffins, to decadent indulgences like chocolate chip pancakes and caramelized pear tart, these sweet sourdough recipes offer a world of flavor and variety.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, our collection of sweet sourdough recipes is sure to have something for everyone. And the best part? These recipes are all made possible by the natural magic of sourdough starter, which adds a depth and complexity to each treat that’s hard to find with traditional baking methods.
So go ahead, get baking, and discover the wonderful world of sweet sourdough!
Cinnamon Swirl Sweet Sourdough Bread
Elevate your bread game with this scrumptious cinnamon swirl sweet sourdough recipe, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 3 cups bread flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
4. Punch down the dough and roll out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around edges.
5. Roll up tightly, starting from one long edge. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space for growth during proofing.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Chip Sourdough Pancakes
Start your day with a sweet treat that combines the tanginess of sourdough starter with the indulgent flavor of chocolate chips. This recipe yields a stack of fluffy, flavorful pancakes perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together starter, flour, and sugar.
2. Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on surface.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)
Honey Glazed Sourdough Donuts
A sweet treat that combines the tanginess of sourdough with the warmth of honey, these donuts are a perfect breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup honey, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add sourdough starter, milk, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Cover and let the mixture proof for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and cut into donut shapes.
6. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Allow donuts to cool before glazing with a mixture of honey, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Muffins
These muffins combine the tanginess of sourdough with the brightness of lemon zest and the sweetness of fresh blueberries, creating a delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add sourdough starter, melted butter, egg, blueberries, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Maple Pecan Sourdough Rolls
These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with the warmth of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, bread flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Add maple syrup and mix until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Fold the edges over the pecans and roll into a tight log.
8. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place on prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush with melted butter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Nut Sourdough Loaf
This sweet bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty flavor of walnuts, all wrapped up in a tangy sourdough crust. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this loaf is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 3 cups bread flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, mashed bananas, and chopped walnuts. Mix until well combined.
3. Add bread flour, salt, and sugar. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Coffee Cake
Start your day with a warm and comforting coffee cake infused with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon, all thanks to the natural yeast fermentation process of sourdough.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– Confectioner’s sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Beat in eggs, then fold in diced apples.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioner’s sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Sourdough Galette
Discover the sweet and tangy combination of strawberries and rhubarb wrapped in a crispy sourdough crust. This galette is perfect for springtime gatherings or as a unique dessert for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 cup sliced strawberries
– 1 cup chopped rhubarb
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the mixture until crumbly.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm) and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Arrange strawberries and rhubarb on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Fold the other half over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush with honey and bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Waffles
Start your day with a warm, crispy, and aromatic waffle infused with the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. This recipe combines the natural tanginess of sourdough with the comforting spices of fall.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Unsalted butter or oil for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough starter, flours, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and maple syrup; mix until smooth.
4. Grease the waffle iron with butter or oil.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 6-10 minutes
Caramelized Pear Sourdough Tart
This recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized pears with the tanginess of sourdough crust, creating a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1 ripe but firm pear, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/8-inch thick wedges
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Place the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. Arrange pear slices in a pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Drizzle honey and water mixture evenly over the pears.
8. Fold the crust edges up to create a crusty rim, pressing gently to seal.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Raspberry Almond Sourdough Braid
Elevate your baking game with this sweet and savory raspberry almond sourdough braid, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. With the tanginess of sourdough and the sweetness of fresh raspberries, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into a long rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Sprinkle raspberries and almond extract evenly over the dough.
6. Fold the dough in thirds, forming a braid. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the egg wash over the braided dough.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Scones
These citrusy scones combine the tanginess of lemon zest with the nutty flavor of poppy seeds, all wrapped up in a tender sourdough crust. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or as a sweet snack to accompany your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add sourdough starter, cream, lemon juice, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in poppy seeds and lemon zest.
5. Turn dough onto floured surface; gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 triangles.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cherry Vanilla Sourdough Buns
Elevate your breakfast game with these sweet and tangy cherry vanilla sourdough buns, perfect for a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, bread flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Add warmed milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Fold in chopped cherries.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Shape into 8-10 buns and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips:
– Make sure to use a ripe sourdough starter for the best flavor.
– Adjust the amount of cherries to your liking.
– Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired.
Brown Butter Sourdough Blondies
These chewy blondies get an extra boost of flavor from the nutty goodness of brown butter and the tanginess of sourdough starter. Perfect for a sweet treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) sourdough starter, active and bubbly
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Chopped walnuts or pecans for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until brown and nutty-smelling (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugars until dissolved.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
6. Add browned butter mixture to sourdough mixture and whisk until combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Coconut Pineapple Sourdough Bread
Combine the natural tanginess of sourdough with the sweetness of coconut and pineapple for a unique bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This recipe uses a sourdough starter to create a chewy, slightly sour crumb.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter and warm water to create a shaggy dough.
2. Add flour, unsweetened shredded coconut, pineapple chunks, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise at room temperature (around 72°F to 76°F) for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a round loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Chocolate Sourdough Babka
Elevate your bread game with this decadent babka infused with the deep flavors of dark chocolate and the tanginess of sourdough. This indulgent treat is perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Add beaten egg and melted chocolate to the dough mixture. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let babka cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange Cardamom Sourdough Rolls
Elevate your breakfast game with these unique Orange Cardamom Sourdough Rolls, infused with the warm spices of cardamom and the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 3 cups bread flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– Orange zest (from 1 orange)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, bread flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, orange juice, cardamom, sugar, and orange zest. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into 6-8 rolls.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peach Cobbler Sourdough Skillet Cake
This recipe combines the warmth of a skillet cake with the tanginess of sourdough and the sweetness of peach cobbler. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dessert-inspired treat is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and ripe)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2-3 ripe peaches, sliced
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet.
4. Arrange sliced peaches on top of the batter.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these 18 mouthwatering sweet sourdough recipes perfect for dessert. From classic treats like cinnamon swirl bread and chocolate chip pancakes, to creative twists like honey glazed donuts and strawberry rhubarb galette, there’s something for every taste. Indulge in sweet sourdough loaves, muffins, rolls, tarts, and more, all made possible by the tangy magic of sourdough starters. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to delight and inspire your next baking adventure.